Great Lakes Wire

Before legislators head off for summer break, Common Cause Michigan is urging lawmakers to ensure the full pro-democracy agenda is passed and sent to the governor’s desk.

The following bills need immediate action before legislators leave to campaign:

– Michigan Voting Rights Act (SB 401-404), which aims to provide state-level protections for voters of color as the federal Voting Rights Act has been weakened.

– National Popular Vote (HB 4156/4440), which seeks to ensure Michigan’s electoral college votes are awarded to the candidate with the most individual votes nationally, allowing all voters to feel heard.

– BRITE Act transparency bills (HB 5583-5586), which propose ending the lawmaker-to-lobbyist pipeline by tightening disclosure and lobbying laws, among other reforms.

“In recent years, Michigan lawmakers have listened to the people to pass important democracy reforms, but that work is far from being finished. Michigan voters have spoken time and time again that they want our state to be one of the most ethical and transparent governments in the nation with the BRITE Act, that the right to vote is an important freedom we must protect for ALL communities through a Michigan Voting Rights Act, and that they want all voices heard in elections through National Popular Vote,” said Quentin Turner, Common Cause Michigan Executive Director.

“It’s vital the legislature passes these pro-democracy bills into law completely before taking off for summer break to continue Michigan’s ascent into being a national leader in voting and ethics,” Turner added.

Lawmakers will return to finish the legislative session after the 2024 elections.